Windwalker Group today congratulated Bernadette Houser, the program director on its NAVSEA security contract, for her recognition by the Philadelphia National Guard with the Employer Support of the Guard & Reserves (ESGR)'s Patriot Award. The award honors civilian supervisors for their support of Guard and Reserve employees.

"We've known for quite some time that Bernadette is an exceptional leader, professional and colleague," Windwalker Group CEO Herby Duverné said. "She embodies the type of service and dedication to customers that are so integral to the culture at Windwalker. We're thrilled for her to receive this outside recognition, and especially from an organization as respected as the ESGR."

Since 1972, the ESGR program has promoted cooperation and understanding between civilian employers and their National Guard and Reserve employees. It was created by the U.S. Department of Defense to develop and foster supportive work environments for service members in the Reserve Components through outreach, recognition, and educational opportunities. The ESGR program operates within the Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Reserve Affairs.

The Patriot Award honors supervisors for their superior support of Guard and Reserve employees. Nominations must come from a Guard or Reserve member or a family member, and nominated employers receive a certificate of recognition and a lapel pin. Houser's certificate was signed by the national director and executive chairman of the ESGR program.